Flower Mound Fire Department FIRE PREVENTION OFFICE

POLICY STATEMENT: Haunted Houses December 2008

The Flower Mound Fire Department would like to help you enjoy a safe and happy Halloween by making your Haunted fire safe in accordance with our local fire codes. The following are requirements set forth by the Uniform Fire Code and local ordinances:

1. Temporary amusement uses utilizing a tent in lieu of a building will be required to obtain a tent permit. See Tent Permit: www.Flower-Mound.com/fire/firemarshal/permits

1. One complete set of floor plans shall be submitted to the Fire Prevention Office for review not less than ten (10) working days prior to the time that the Haunted House is scheduled to open.

1. These plans shall consist of:

A. A complete set of floor plans showing the route of the Haunted House tour. B. The exit routes from within the rooms, passage ways, etc., to a place of safe refuge and public way. C. An emergency exit must be provided approximately every 75 feet in all temporary passages or corridors and must be provided with illuminated exit lights or the self-luminous exits signs.

4. During hours of operation, required exits may not be locked and each door shall be capable of being opened from the interior of the structure without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort; all exits must open in the direction of egress or be locked in an open position during the hours of operation. In addition:

A. Exit signs must function properly and be visible throughout the exit corridor. B. All exits, hallways, and aisles leading from buildings are to be kept clear and unobstructed at all times. C. There shall be no obstructions blocking exit doors from the outside of any building, such as automobiles parked in doorways or barricades across sidewalks. D. No curtains, drapes, or decorations shall be hung in such a manner as to cover any exit signs.

5. Approved fire extinguishers (minimum size 2A:10B:C), one per every 3,000 gross square feet of floor area, are required to be placed within 75 feet travel distance from any point.

Flower Mound Fire Department FIRE PREVENTION OFFICE

POLICY STATEMENT: Haunted Houses December 2008

6. No open flames will be allowed, such as candles or torches.

7. Actuation of any smoke detection device shall sound an alarm and cause illumination to increase to that required by the Fire Code.

8. In buildings that are not protected by an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors will be required at the following ratio: One U.L. Listed smoke detector approximately every 20 feet along a passageway or corridor, a minimum of two smoke detectors if required. Installation shall be in accordance with NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code.

9. All curtains, walls, tunnels, sawdust, shavings, table skirts, drapes, and decorations must be constructed of fire retardant material or treated with an approved flame retardant solution, per NFPA 701. Treatment shall be renewed as often as may be necessary to maintain the flame retardant effect. PLASTIC SHEETING IS NOT ALLOWED. Flame retardant solutions may be obtained by contacting local decoration contractors and flame-proofing companies listed in the yellow pages of a local phone book. Approval by the Fire Prevention Office will be required.

NOTE: Materials such as (man-made fibers) polyesters, rayon, and nylon are difficult to treat to obtain fire retardant.

10. “NO SMOKING – BY ORDER OF THE FIRE MARSHAL” signs are required.

11. All employees shall be schooled in:

A. Emergency exiting procedures, including location of light switches. B. Locations and operation of the manual shut off for the air conditioning units. C. Location of extra flashlights which should be posted at entrance/exit in case power goes out to lights, UNLESS EMERGENCY LIGHTING IS IN PLACE.

12. Truck trailers or other similar types of containers that would create a vault like atmosphere when subjected to fire, smoke, or toxic fumes may NOT be used for Haunted Houses.

13. Each tour shall be limited to 20 persons and must have a guide. Each guide must have an operable flashlight.

14. If conditions are created which present a hazard to life, a standby “Fire Watch” will be required at your expense.

15. Ceiling level must be at least seven feet (7’) including all areas where the public will walk.

Flower Mound Fire Department FIRE PREVENTION OFFICE

POLICY STATEMENT: Haunted Houses December 2008

16. A site plan shall be submitted showing the location of fire lanes.

Flower Mound Fire Department FIRE PREVENTION OFFICE

POLICY STATEMENT: Haunted Houses December 2008

17. Any additional electrical or plumbing work will require separate permits with the Planning and Inspections Department of the Town of Flower Mound.

THERE SHALL BE A FINAL INSPECTION PRIOR TO OPERATION OF A HAUNTED HOUSE. THIS INSPECTION MAY BE SCHEDULED THROUGH THE FIRE PREVENTION OFFICE AT (972) 874.6270 AT LEAST 48 HOURS (TWO WORKING DAYS) PRIOR TO ANTICIPATED DATE OF OPERATIONS.